Selecting a "Search Firm"

On Monday evening, November 2 at 5 pm the board will meet in Loxley to interview representatives of two search firms. The interview session will, I hope, inform the board as to exactly what services each of the firms propose to provide us. The session is an indicator that the board will embark on a search for Dr. Hollinger's replacement, a process that I fully support. I am very grateful to those in Baldwin County who have voiced their support for a thorough search.

The selection process should include work segments such as creating the qualification profile and job description, engaging the community to make certain opinions are heard and support for the process is built, advertising the job, screening candidates, and making recommendations. Each of these segments has many tasks associated with it. It will likely take 6 months to complete the process. I have concerns that the holiday season may impede the schedule.

The two firms are traveling at their expense to make the presentations on Monday evening.

BWP, www.bwpassociates.com , is based in Libertyville, Illinois. Their web site indicates that they currently are involved 9 superintendent searches. Their web site does provide an outline of the process they recommend districts follow and I will be asking questions about how much of the process they recommend did they actually include in their cost estimate. They refer to surveys and and community engagement, things I like, but they do not spell out how they do it and what their commitment is to us. Their web site does offer some interesting insight into the typical search process.

Ray and Asociates is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Their web site indicates 11 current searches are underway and one is for a system comparable in size to Baldwin County. Ray makes reference on the site to services they perform and I have questions about exactly what commitment they make to us. I am hoping for a credible citizen input process and will want to make sure what Ray understands. On their site they say " If constituent input is desired, we have a systematic process that organizes various groups and surveys their expectations for a new leader." rayassoc.com is their website.

It did catch my attention that Ray promotes their ability to recruit "non-traditional" candidates. This is something that does interest me. I have mixed feelings at this time as to whether or not school administrative experience should be a top consideration and look forward to exploring this topic with Ray.

Monday night is a step along the way. There is much more to be done. I will support the firm I believe will listen best to the public and the board and convince me they can craft the best profile for our next school leader. The profile and its expression of the qualities needed in our next superintendent will be our cornerstone, all else will build on it.

Come to the meeting on Monday, listen and tell me what you think.

October 12 Update

Following the work session on Monday night the board discussed selection of a consulting firm to assist with the superintendent search. Board Chair Roberts reviewed her discussions with the various applicant firms and asked for opinions from the members.

While there is not unanimity among the board members there did appear to be a majority interested in interviewing consultant candidates. President Roberts indicated she would contact the three most qualified firms and invite them to interview at their expense. She will set dates for the interviews and those interviews will be open to the public.